During one weekend in June, London’s hidden green spaces give rare access to the public and host a range of activities for the Open Garden Squares Weekend.

The initiative, held on 8-9 June, is designed to highlight some of the capital’s best gardens and green spaces and raise vital funds for the London Parks and Gardens Trust so it can continue its work to protect them.

To coincide with the event, Westminster Venue Collection puts the spotlight on its venues with glorious gardens to help you pick the perfect spot for your next event, whether it’s a summer soiree, an alfresco dining affair or post-event drinks.

The National Gallery Garden
Spaces don’t come more hidden than The National Gallery Garden. The gallery’s newest ‘secret garden’ space is a secluded sunken courtyard surrounded by fragrant jasmine bushes and accessed by a hidden door on neighbouring Trafalgar Square with capacity for up to 60 guests. The gallery – home to world-famous nature-themed paintings like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s The Water Lily Pond, has also created the Jubilee Walk – a covered outdoor space surrounded by limestone and glass features which can host up to 420 guests at a drinks reception and 315 guests at a sit-down dinner.

College Garden at Westminster Abbey
History buffs and horticultural enthusiasts will delight in hosting an event in Westminster Abbey’s College Garden. The private, 900-year-old walled garden is thought to be the oldest garden in England and offers views of the Abbey and Victoria Tower, part of the Palace of Westminster. In June and July, a stylish glass marquee with a decked porch area is erected, making College Garden an idyllic venue for a relaxed reception, formal gala dinner or corporate conference and lunch.

The York Lawns, Regent’s Conferences and Events
Event planners have four acres of garden space in which to host an event for up to 1,200 people at Regent’s venue within one of London’s most famous outdoor spaces. Set within private grounds in Regent’s Park, The York Lawns feature landscaped lawns, trees, mature shrubs and seasonal blooms. During the summer months, the space boasts a hard-floored marquee which can accommodate 450 guests.

The Courtyard at Dartmouth House
The courtyard garden at Georgian townhouse Dartmouth House will make guests feel like they’ve stepped onto the terrace of an elegant French chateau. The stunning oasis in the heart of Mayfair, which can host up to 150 guests, features manicured potted plants, a fountain, and wrought iron tables and chairs to create the atmosphere of a garden at a French stately home.

116 Pall Mall
Tall trees and lush greenery envelope The Garden and Terrace at the prestigious 116 Pall Mall. This tranquil, hidden gem can be easily accessed from the Carlton Room and will whisk guests away from the hustle and bustle of central London when they enter it. Perfect for summer parties, drinks receptions, film shoots, pop-up events, launches, parties and networking events.